If you walk into any casino you will be instantly surrounded by the smell of money, the bright lights and even the sound of coins dropping in slots (even though they stopped using real pennies long ago). It’s not accidental and it is all designed to keep you inside and playing for as much time as possible. This is how casinos make their money and the design methods they use are proven. In fact one of them was so effective it made its way into grocery store design.
Casino is a movie that works on many different levels but it is most definitely a Mafia film at its core. The story is about the people who run a city and control the flow of money and how they slowly fall from the heights of power due to lust and greed. It is a tale of destruction and betrayal that is told well enough to resonate with people who don’t normally like Mafia films.
The director of Casino is Martin Scorsese and he does a fine job with the material. In the beginning of the film he uses a lot of fast cuts and stylized documentary style footage to create an entertaining behind the scenes look at how casinos work. Then he slowly moves away from that and changes his editing style to something more traditional while still keeping the narration almost 100% intact.
Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone both do a great job with their roles in this movie. It is the type of performance that makes you remember why both actors are so well respected in their craft. They have a natural on screen chemistry that is hard to fake. Joe Pesci is no slouch either and his performance is one of the better ones of his career.
One of the most interesting parts of the film is seeing how the characters change and develop over time. It’s also interesting to see how the relationship between Sam and Nicky is strained as their respective careers take off. It’s clear that they are both running their own businesses but it seems like their lives are intertwined.
Casino is a fantastic Mafia film and it’s a perfect example of what Scorsese is capable of when he puts his mind to it. It is a harsh movie that isn’t for everyone but it’s a great film that should be seen at least once. It’s the kind of movie that is going to be a part of our culture for years to come. It is a must see for fans of Martin Scorsese and anyone who enjoys watching a good Mafia movie. Casino is a masterpiece that deserves more attention than it gets. I hope that more people will check this film out in the future. It’s worth it.
